By Christopher Parsons
Hornsby Shire Council is once again offering its free Street Library program, where up to 20 people living in the Hornsby Shire local government area can get their very own Street Library!
Street Libraries are cute ’small build’ structures normally located on private property that allows public access for free book exchange within the local neighbourhood.
People can simply reach in and take what interests them – and when they are done, they return the books to the Street Library, or pass them on to friends.
“Hornsby Shire Council has again teamed up with the not-for-profit organisation ’Street Library’ to distribute 20 of the little libraries free to residents in the Shire,” said Mayor Philip Ruddock.
“Normally costing $300 each, the free Street Libraries will be ideal for community-minded folks who make excellent librarians.”
“The Street Library must be installed on the property you control, such as your home – or an organisation such as school, daycare centre, or kindergarten.”
Following a successful first program in 2018, this second round follows enquiries from Councillor Janelle McIntosh as a great community-building initiative during the current lockdown, with COVID restrictions having closed the Shire’s full-sized libraries.
You must love your Library of course – install, paint and maintain it as if you built it yourself.
Fill it up when it’s empty, empty when it’s a little too full, and keep an eye on it from time to time.
Council has worked with our insurers to make sure public liability coverage applies to residents who install Street Libraries in accordance with Council’s own policy.
For more information, including applying for a street library, go to hornsby.nsw.gov.au/streetlibrary.
